Legal Question in Criminal Law in California
What kind of trouble could I be in if in 2011, I found a job but remained on food stamps for several months.
I had been unemployed for 2 years. I was so afraid I would not have enought money left over for food. I received a letter from Social Services asking for pay stubs, so I believe they ran my social and know I was working. I'm scared and I have no criminal record. They are asking the same of my daughter, who was 18. What should I do? :o(
2 Answers from Attorneys
Felony fraud charges in state and/or federal court.
Of course they discovered the fraud, and know you were working, your records are all computerized and cross checked, just for that purpose.
When charged with any crime, the proper questions are, can any evidence obtained be used against you, can you be convicted, and what can you do? A little free advice: exercise the 5th Amendment right to SHUT UP and do NOT talk to police or anyone about the case except with and through an attorney.
No amount of free 'tips and hints' from here or elsewhere are going to effectively help you in your legal defense. If you don't know how to represent yourself effectively against an experienced prosecutor intending to convict, then hire an attorney who does, who will try to get a dismissal, charge reduction, diversion, program, or other decent outcome through plea bargain, or take it to trial if appropriate.
If serious about hiring counsel to help in this, and if the charges are in SoCal courts, feel free to contact me.
Welfare fraud is a big deal. You need to speak to a good criminal defense attorney as soon as possible, who handles these kinds of matters. It may be possible to negotiate restitution in lieu of you going to jail or prison.
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